People cannot be at the mercy of criminals: DP Kindiki says on violence protests

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has warned that the government will not allow the country to descend into lawlessness under the guise of constitutional freedoms, following recent violent protests witnessed in different parts of the country.

Speaking in Kwa Mutonga, Kitui West on Saturday, the deputy president said while the Constitution guarantees the right to protest, no Kenyan has the right to infringe on the freedoms and safety of others.

He condemned the destruction of public infrastructure, looting of businesses, and sexual violence reported during Wednesday's Gen Z protests, maintaining that the government will act decisively against those responsible.

“The government will not curtail the freedoms of Kenyans guaranteed in the Constitution. They are free to express themselves even if they don’t agree with the government's policies. But you cannot violate the rights of others in the name of exercising your rights. It will not be acceptable,” said DP Kindiki.

“We will not allow the country to slide into anarchy and lawlessness. We will not accept our people to be at the mercy of criminals looting businesses, raping women, burning courts, police stations in the pretext of exercising their rights.”

He added, “We will go after all the criminals who were incited to attack the people, assault women and loot businesses, destroy the nation’s infrastructure. All will be apprehended and will face the law.”

Prof Kindiki, who has recently taken a more visible role in national administration, applauded the part of the Ukambani region for remaining peaceful during the protests.

“We congratulate Kitui and other counties for maintaining peace and order on Wednesday,” he added.

He went on to assure residents that Kitui would receive its fair share of government projects, as he hit out at his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of discriminating against the region based on political affiliations.

“The people of Kitui should not fear demanding development because you deserve it like every part of this country,” Kindiki said.

“Some retrogressive leaders came here before and told you there would be no development here because you did not have shares in the government. That is unacceptable, and this government will not allow that. We will continue developing Kitui County because the residents deserve key projects and programs like every part of this country.”

Kindiki added, “As taxpayers, you will get an equal share of development because we will not discriminate against anyone owing to their political affiliation. Our focus now is improving the lives of all Kenyans.”

The DP similarly promised a bag of goodies to the region perceived to be an opposition backyard, pledging to accelerate the economic transformation of the region.

He said the government would revive and complete all stalled road projects in the County, such as constructing six major roads, including the 27 kilometres Kwa Siku-Migwani-Mbondoni Road at a cost of Ksh.3.5 billion, the Kamuwongo-Kandwia section of the Mwingi-Tseikuru road that will cost Ksh.975 million and the Zombe-Chuluni road.

Kindiki gave the progress of ongoing projects, including the construction of the Enziu bridge, saying it will be completed this year at a cost of Ksh.165 million.

Regarding the ongoing nationwide last-mile electricity connectivity programme, he said, “Kitui County has been allocated Ksh.2.1 billion to connect additional households. This includes Ksh.200 million allocated to Kitui West Constituency.”